Course Review

This course is now DONE!

Please take the time to review the course with these two surveys.

Survey about your mark

Survey about the course and SMR

Congrats!  And I hope you were able to take some thing in this course to use for many years to come!

Dungeons and Dragons

So a bunch of you are printing Dice Towers.
If you're going to do that, it's a good idea to learn how to actually play D&D 5E.
Here's a free online document from WotC you should read:
http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf

Back Posture

Ok everyone...lets get this right.
Your back posture is horrible.  You're going to get serious headaches and back aches from this along with looking 3" shorter and projecting non-confident looks in everyone that sees you.

If you're going to use computer a lot you need to have proper back posture to improve your torso muscles and not mess up your body. 

Read this article:
http://www.natural-solutions-for-muscle-pain.com/proper-sitting-posture.html

This is just a start.  We'll work on this until we get it right because it's really really important!

Networking Map Blog Assignment

Networking is an important part of your career. Most people don't understand how big their network really is.  Take some time to sit and think about all the people you know who you could ask for help or a favour.  This will help you some day when you are looking for a job or volunteer experience.

Functions Test

Unit 3 Functions Test




First off a lot of you are going to be tempted to cheat on this.  DON'T DO IT.  You are challenging me to make you suffer by doing so.  I am hunting for cheaters today.  Cheaters deserve huge, horrible punishments to learn not to do that again.  Do your best and get the mark you deserve. 

Create a program which does the following:

1.  It asks you what your name is by activating a function from #main   (2 marks)
2.  It says "Hi " + the name entered in part 1 (in #main). (1 mark)
3.  It activates a random number generating function to get a number from 1 to 10
.  (4 marks)
4.  It tells you what the random number was in #main.  (1 mark)
5.  It runs a function that will activate a for-loop.  The for-loop will print the person's name a number of times equal to the random number that was generated in step 3 above. (5 marks)
6.  It will ask you if you want to run the program again (in #main).  If the person says anything but "no", it repeats from the start.   (1 mark)
7. If the person says no, it activates a function to say "Bye" + the name of the person. It will return to main to saying "Exiting..." and the program will quit in #main.  (5 marks)
8. This program must have your name in comments at the top (1 mark)

20 Marks Total.

To be marked, you must name your program with the following format:
FIRSTNAME.LASTNAME-FunctionsTest.py

Failure to label your program properly can result in a penalty.

Your output should look like the following.

 

Including your name, you can do this program in 26 lines in 20 minutes. You have the entire class to email this to me.

Friday, May 5th - Circuit Flow Practice

Circuit Flow Practice

Create a blog post and state what the path flow is for all of the examples below.  IF a wire is missing, state where the wire needs to go to complete the circuit.

See if you can trace the flow through all the circuits below:
Use the following codes:
LED Cathode = LED+
LED Anode = LED -

Example 1:
The path flows from:
Pin 13 - J9 - F9 - E9 - C9 LED+ - C10 LED- - E10 Resistor - F10 Resistor - J10 - GND

 

Example 2:

Example 3:

 Example 4:

Example 5:

Example 6:

Example 7:

Python Functions Assignment #2, 3 and 4!

Python Unit 3 - Assignment #2

Make a program that asks you for 4 courses and then gives you random grades for those courses.
It does not loop.
It uses at least ONE function.
This can be done in 15 lines

Python Unit 3 - Assignment #3

 

This can be done in 16 lines.


Python Unit 3 - Assignment #4


Modify Assignment 3 to do the following:
-> Add a running score and percentage calculator

This can be done in 21lines

Python Functions Assignment #1

 Create a program that asks you to move between 3 rooms.The rooms are all in a row as shown in the diagram below:

The program will ask the user to enter a number to choose to move to another room.
Your output should look exactly like the following:

Any time the user enters an option that is not valid, it will say "Invalid option" and ask the question again.

In your program, you must END any loops that are not used.  This means you cannot activate a function from a loop without ending it (otherwise that loop will go on forever and use up resources).

This can be done in 32 lines including a line to label #main.

Python Test

This test is open book, you may use anything you've programmed, the internet, etc.
You may not COPY or talk to anyone.  Doing so results in a zero!

Python Unit 1 Test
Create a program that combines all the practice assignments that were assigned on this day:
Python Practice Assignments 2

The program will produce a menu where you enter a number corresponding to the program you want to run (1 to 4) or the user can enter 5 for a random program.  The program will loop to the starting menu once it is done.

Put your name at the top in comments
Name the program with the following format:
 FirstnameLastname-PythonTest.py

So if your name is Joe Smith it should be:  JoeSmith-PythonTest.py
Failure to do so will result in the loss of marks.

Email it to me before the end of the period.

Marks Breakdown:

Friday, April 29th

Greetings Class.  There are 2 things for you to do today.  I know a bunch of you just want to play games and talk but we need to move into Arduino next week.

Next week we're getting into some basic Arduino.  Today you need to do some reading and POST what you think you'd like to do and why.

One of the main advantages of this course is that you get to branch out and do what you want to do.  In order to appreciate what Arduino can do you should read this site this period. It will explain Arduino and Lilypad plus shields.
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/what-is-an-arduino

Now explore some things you can do with Arduino:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Projects/
https://www.hackster.io/arduino/projects
http://playground.arduino.cc/Projects/Ideas
http://www.electronicshub.org/arduino-project-ideas/

Check out some shields here.  Look at some of the links and if there are any shields you'd like to work with, make note of them.
http://www.shieldlist.org/

By the end of this class you should have some idea of what you can do with Arduino or what projects you'd like to do for your culminating.  You can work in pairs for it or alone.

---

For those interested in Lilypad, please read this:
http://lilypadarduino.org/
http://sewelectric.org/diy-projects/
http://www.instructables.com/howto/lilypad/ 


---

YOUR ASSIGNMENT THIS PERIOD:
Make a blog post stating:

1.  What projects you'd like to do for Arduino, or Lilypad
2. Why you want to do those projects
3. A link to the projects that interest you.

You must find at least one project that interests you the most.  If the links don't have it, use the might Google!

Python Practice Test

Try this practice test.
If you can do it, you should be fine for the real test.
If you have any difficulty, you should be asking questions!

Python Practice Assignments 2

Yay more practice assignments before the test!

1.  Create a calculator that can add, subtract, multiply or divide.

·         First it will ask you what calculator function you want.

·         Then it asks you for the 1st number.

·         It asks you for the 2nd number

·         It prints the formula and the answer in one line

·         It will ask you if you want to go again.  Entering n will exit and it will say "Bye!"

·         The output should look like below:

This can be done in 18 lines!

2.  Create a math quiz game with 5 questions which will tell you your mark and percentage at the end!

·         It will ask all 5 questions first

·         It will tell you what you got out of 5.  Then it will tell you what your percentage is.

·         You output should look like the following:

The last line is:         print "You got ", score*100/5, "%!"

This can be done in 18 lines and fast with a bunch of copy and paste!

3.  Create a lottery game that allows you to pick a number from 1 to 100 for $1.

·         First it tells you that you have $50.

·         Then it asks you how many tickets you would like to buy for $1 each. 

·         If the user enters more than 50 tickets, it asks them to pick again!

·         Then it gives you that many random numbers from 1 to 100.  The numbers can be the same.

·         It picks a random number.  If you have a ticket that matches the number, you win $100! Otherwise, you lose. (Note: you can pick a random number at any time in the program)

·         It will totally your money at the end (win or lose)

·         It will ask you if you want to play again, keeping the same value of money for the next game

The output will look like this:

This can be done in 27 lines!

4.  Create your own program that you think should be on the test.

Include instructions similar to those given in class and an answer.

The program should include 4 of the following elements:

1.       raw_input

2.       input

3.       for loop

4.       while loop

5.       random

6.       if , elif and else

The program answer should be no longer than 30 lines of code.  Email it by Friday at 9pm!

Jones in the Fast Lane - Blog Post

Jones in the Fast Lane is a game from the 80's.
It's old but it is a classic game that helps you understand careers, money management, time management, education and how it all links together.

Go to this website to play:
JONES IN THE FAST LANE

Pick PLAY GAME.

You can play in groups of 4, but it is probably best to play in a group of 2 against Jones (the computer) when it's your first few games, just so you learn how to do things faster.

It will ask you to set your goals which is related to the objects to win the game.

There is money, happiness, education and career.

There is a time clock at the bottom of the screen that represents the week and how much time in the week you have left.  There is a calculator at the bottom right that represents your money.

HINT:  If you forget to eat that week, you lose time in the next week!

Jones in the Fast Lane Blog Assignment
1.  Describe your winning strategy with respect to each of the goals:
a) Money
b) Happiness
c) Education
d) Career
2.  Give at least 5 tips that will help someone new win the game.

IF you can win the game on the medium starting difficulty settings, post a picture of how many weeks it took you, and what career you had in the end!
Here is one at 35 weeks being a Factory Manager making $40/hr:

Python Practice Assignments

Python Practice Assignments

As the test nears, try these assignments.  If you can't do them, you -will- fail the test.
The test will be based on these.  It is open book and you can reference them.  You will not need to hand these in, but I am allowed to ask you to modify the answers to these exercises on the test.  If you don't have the answers, you may not be able to finish the test in time.

Exercise #1

Create a program that asks you to enter a number

·         If the number greater than 10 it says “Too high!”

·         If the number is less than 10 it says “Good!”

This can be done in 5 lines

Exercise #2

The program asks you what you got on the test

·         If you got higher than 80, it says “Great!”

·         If you get lower than 50, it says “Bad!”

·         If you get between 50 and 80 it says “You need to improve!”

This can be done in 7 lines!

Exercise #3

You have $10 in your wallet.  Make a program that looks at what you can buy from a menu.

•       There are 3 items you can buy:

o   $5 – chips, $10 – cake, $15 – pizza

•       It asks you what you want to buy

•       If you can afford it, it says you bought it

Exercise #4

Create a program that asks you what your name is

•       It will keep asking you what your name is until you say your name is “Bob”

This can be done in 4 lines

Exercise #5

Make a program that calculates your average mark.

·         It will ask you how many marks you want to enter

·         It will ask you for each mark

·         It will tell you the overall average after you enter the last mark

The output will look like this:

This can be done in 8 lines!

Exercise #6 (need Lesson 6 for this)                                                                                                              

Rewrite the answer to Exercise #5 using For-Loops

Exercise #7 (need Lesson 7 for this)

Create a program that plays Rock-Paper-Scissors with you. 

•       The user picks 1, 2, or 3 to represent rock, paper or scissors

•       If the user enters a different number, it asks for a number again

•       It tells the user if they won, tied or lost, then asks if they want to play again.

•       The output should look like this:

This can be done in 45 lines!

Thursday, April 21 - Cover Letters Blog Post

Now that we know how to make a good resume, we have to make a good cover letter.
The cover letter is like the back of a book.  It gives a summary of what is to come in order to make someone interested in reading what is inside!  If your cover letter is garbage, the person won't want to read your resume.

Read some actual cover letters from the Math Tutor Job:
COVER LETTERS

Make a blog post with the following:
Cover Letters Blog Post
1.  Rank the Top 3 cover letters and write at least a paragraph or more about why you think they are the best.
2.  Rank the Bottom 3 cover letters and write at least a paragraph or more about why you think they were the worst.

Wednesday, April 20th - Resumes Lesson

Wednesday, April 20th - Resumes Lesson
Today we did our epic resume lesson.  What you should have taken away from it was this:

1. Competition is in everything
2. Your resume goes up against 100's if not thousands of others
3. Each point on your resume that relates to the job is like a weapon you bring to the table
4. It is like a Battle Royale between you and everyone else.  Do not bring a knife to a gun fight.
5. Pokemon!  Collect all those job related experiences!
6. If you don't have experience, go get some.  Volunteer.  Network.  Do not bring a fist to the fight!
7. HR interviewing you is different than an owner of a company
8. Make a custom resume for EACH job you apply to
9. You can rearrange your resume order to bring your strongest points first!
10. You can still get a job based on weird factors

Please read this epic comic series that puts the entire job hunt process in an amazing perspective:

EPIC CAREERS COMIC

Resume Intro Assignment

Resume Intro Assignment
You are in charge of hiring tutors for a math clinic at Danforth Tech!
The following job description has been posted.  Please read it so you understand the employee you are trying to hire:
MathTutorJob

In 1 week of posting this ad, you received 21 resumes!
These are ACTUAL resumes received for this position.

Your job is to rank these resumes from best to worst.
Resumes for Math Tutor Job

Resume Intro Blog Post Assignment

3 Best:  List the 3 best applicants.  For each applicant, explain why they are in your top 3.  List the top 3 in order from #1, #2, and your #3 pick.

3 Worst:  List the 3 worst applicants.  For each one explain why they were the worst 3.  List them as #1 worst, #2 worst, #3 worst.

Your blog post should look like this:

3 Best:
#1 - JosieSmith45:  I believe this is the best resume because [LIST 3 reasons]...
#2
#3

3 Worst:
#1 Worst - JosieSmith46:  This was the worst resume because [LIST REASONS!]
#2
#3

Flying Through Python

Before we get into Arduino, please complete the following Python Lessons:
Unit 1: All Lessons (1-7)
Unit 3: All Lessons (Bonus, 12, 13, 14,15)

After this we'll get into Arduino which uses a lot of the same concepts as Python.

Wednesday, April 13 - Innovation Competition

Review the competition at this link here:
http://innovation-nation.ca/

Our Principal is looking for teams of up to 10 people to enter this competition, and stay over Saturday night in Hamilton for the competition on Sunday, May 29th.  Entering the competition is free and all transport will be covered to and from the event.

If you wish to enter this competition, propose an idea and submit a team list asap.

Tuesday, April 12 - PYTHON! Programming Unit Begins!

Welcome to our quick unit on Python Programming!

We use Python 2.7 at school.  You can use Python 2.6 or 2.7, any kind of Python as long as it is NOT Python 3.0!!!  Do a Google search for Python and you can go download this at home.

Python is on all the computers in the lab.  Just go to the Start menu and then click on the program indicated below:

This will open up a window that looks like this:

This is the OUTPUT screen, NOT the programming screen.  DO NOT program in Shell!

You must go to File --> New and you will get a new programming screen that looks like this:

THIS is the programming screen!
This is where you will type your program.
It is called "Untitled" right now because you haven't saved it and given it a name.

**when you save your program, make sure you type .py after the name.
For instance:   1stProgram.py
If you forget the .py, you will lose the Python color formatting!

Also do not use spaces or special characters (!@#$%^&*() in your program title.

As a shortcut, press F5 to verify and run your program!

------------------------------

Until I move everything to a new server, we're going to use the old Python website here:
tiny.cc/python12

Today, do Unit 1, Lesson 1, 2 and 3.
I will review this on Wednesday when I return.

Friday, April 8th - Computer Building

Steps to Build a Computer:

Key terms:

• Ghz - gigahertz (the higher the better)
• Cores - number of "brains" (dual = 2, quad = 4)
• GB - gigabytes (1,000 megabytes of storage)
• DDR4, DDR3 - types of Ram

1. Pick a CPU (the brain)
1. AMD (cheaper, hotter)
2. Intel (more expensive, more efficient)
2. Pick a Motherboard (the spine)
1. ASRock, Gigabyte - cheaper
2. ASUS - higher end/gaming
3. Pick a Hard Drive
1. HDD - hard disk drive (a spinning disk)
1. Western Digital
1. Black - higher end, more reliable
2. Blue - cheaper, used for storage
2. 7500rpm = fast
2. SSD - solid state drive (like a bunch of memory sticks)
1. Intel, Samsung, Crucial (check failure rates)
3. Hybrid - SSD + HDD combined
4. Optional - Video Card
5. Optional - Sound Card
6. Optional - Network Card
7. Power Supply
1. Use this link to figure it out:  http://outervision.com/power-supply-calculator
2. Or enter your parts into https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/
3. Then select a power supply that has MORE watts than suggested!
8. Case
1. Mini-Tower (smaller sized case, could be hard to fit in cooling and video cards)
2. Mid Tower (average sized case)
3. Full Tower (lots of space for expansion)

Blog Assignment : 3 Computer Builds

Build 3 computers from either build site:

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/

http://www.canadacomputers.com/

Type 1 : High End

-build the most expensive computer you can find that will actually work

-include things like:

• liquid cooling
• fans and colors for your case
• fancy keyboards
• speakers and sound card
• dual graphics cards
• GO NUTS!

Take a screenshot of the shopping cart or parts list and post it on your blog entry.

Explain how you made the decision to pick each component.

Type 2 : Cheap End-build a computer for under $400 for your parents.

-remember that video, sound and network cards are built into most motherboards!

-no, your Mom does not need a fancy keyboard but they will need something to type and a mouse!

Take a screenshot of the shopping cart or parts list and post it on your blog entry.

Explain how you made the decision to pick each component.

Type 3 : Your ideal computer for under $1500

-build a computer that suits your own needs

-justify each part and explain why you picked it.  It should not be the same as the parts above!

Take a screenshot of the shopping cart or parts list and post it on your blog entry.

Explain how you made the decision to pick each component.

If you want to learn more about PC builds, please look at the Build Guide on PCpartpicker:

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/guide/#page=1&sort=a2

Thursday, April 7 - PC Parts

Computer Assembly:
Some core concepts discussed today:

CPU - the brain of the PC

• AMD vs Intel

Motherboard - the spine connecting the brain and parts together

• Specific to the CPU!

RAM - bookshelves in your room

• Specific to the CPU!

Hard Drive - the library

• HDD - solid disk drive
• Solid State Drive - super fast library

Video Card - enhanced graphics performance
Sound Card - enhanced sound performance
Network Card - for getting on the internet
Case - the body
CPU Cooling
Case Cooling
Power Supply - Make sure you have enough for it all!

Websites;
https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/
http://www.canadacomputers.com/
http://www.newegg.ca/

Professional Signatures

Today we went over an in-class powerpoint on developing your professional signature.
It's important to remember that your signature represents you and you can be judged when someone sees your signatures on a cheque, important document or even your cover letter.

That is why it is important to get into the adult life by developing your own signature.

A signature must be:

1. Unique
2. Repeatable by YOU 
3. Difficult to repeat by others
4. Slightly related to your name (people must be able to see either the first letter of our first name and/or last name

We did an exercise where we sat in a circle, wrote a signature on a page and your classmates wrote one for you.  The resulting paper had 24 different signatures on it, from which you picked one that would help you develop yours!

BE PATIENT!  It takes A LOT of practice to get your signature consistent.  Start by deciding what you want it to be and then sit down and imagine you are giving 100 autographs of your famous signature.  Your fans want it!  Get good at it by practicing!

Myers-Briggs Jung Typology Test

The Myers-Briggs or Jung Typology Test is a personality test that will give you 4 letters to represent your personality type.

Using this test you can determine which careers you might like according to your personality.

Your test results can change over time as you mature and learn more things.  Do not take the results of this test as a absolute.  This is a suggestion of what you are what you can be.

The link below has questions for the test.  Answer honestly to get a better result.  Sometimes it is best going with the first answer that came to mind.  Do not skip any questions.  After you get your result, remember the answer!  Open the link in a new window.

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp

Exploring Your Results:

When you complete the survey you will get 4 letters for your personality type.

Click on the Careers section indicated below.

It will list career fields that people of your personality type enjoy:

Next, go to Google and type in your personality type plus the word "careers":

The Truity.Com link has a list of careers you can take!  Explore these careers using this link (the links on Truity are broken):

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/a-z-index.htm

---------------------

Blog Assignment:  Myers-Briggs Personality Test Results

Answer each of these questions in a blog:

1. What personality type/letters did you get?
2. Do you agree with these results? Why or why not?  (3 sentences minimum)
3. What careers that were listed interest you and why?
4. Look up famous people that have your personality type (on Google or in the link from the survey page).  Do you think you are like any of the people listed that share your personality type?  If so, who?  Does this surprise you?  Explain why.

Posting Your Finished House

Make a post containing all the details of your finished house.

1. Give your house a name.  Something regal, something grand like :  The Northstar, The Luxor, etc.  Name your post this title
2. Post a screen cap or print of your house plan.  All room must be labelled.  Outside dimensions must be indicated.
3. Post a screen cap of your house in Tinkercad.  Make it angled so you can see each wall.
4. Post a link to your house on Tinkercad.  Make sure that your house is PUBLIC and not private so I can view it, download it and print it for you.

Posting Your House For Review

Welcome back from March Break!

If you are ready for your house to be reviewed, please do the following:

1. Make a copy of your house
2. Rename your house to something I can find
3. Make your house public and tell me what your house name is

Once reviewed, I will approve it for 3d printing.

Congrats to all who have finished!

From Start To Finish

Here is a progressive collage showing Josh's progress in this course.  The 2nd floor of his house is now being worked on:

Small House In Real Life

Did you get stuck with one of the last properties?
Fear not!  This is what your house can look like!

1st House Printed!

Josh completed the first floor of his house so we ran it on the 3d printer last night.
Here it is in the printer:

It now sits in the acid bath to get rid of the white colored support material.

Good job Josh!  Your house will be first on the plot!

Thursday, Mar 10 - Blog Assignment - Top 25 High Paying Jobs

Top 25 High Paying Jobs

Today a report came out on the top 25 high paying jobs:
http://www.today.com/money/2016-s-top-25-highest-paying-jobs-according-glassdoor-t78876

If you want to look into what some of these jobs are, what they do and how you get there, you can look them up on the US Occupational Job Index.  This is an amazing resource by the US government that lists every single job registered with them plus the education you need and the job out look.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/a-z-index.htm#E

Blog Assignment: Top 25 Jobs

Read through the Top 25 jobs article.

Pick 3 jobs that interest you the most.  List the following:

1.  Job: (this is the job title)

2.  Salary: (this is how much they make at the top end)

3.  Education for this job: (this is the university degree you need to do this job)

4.  Universities: (list 3 universities that offer the university degree for this job)

5.  Entrance averages:  (list the marks average you must have to get into the universities listed in 4)

6.  High school courses required: (these are the high school courses you take to get into a university that offers the degree for this job)

7.  Why do you think this is one of the top 25 jobs?  Give good reasons for you answer.  Try to relate it to the following: the economy, technological advances, the government, foreign countries, job opportunities or something else that shows your understanding.

8.  Compared to other jobs in the list, look at the number of job openings there were for this job versus the others.  What is the difference. Why do you think it is higher, lower or the same?

Use the above template to style how you answer the question for all 3 jobs.